Pure Aqua Columbus
Franklin County · Columbus Division of Water (Southwest service area)

Galloway, Ohio Water Quality Report

Hardness levels, common contaminants, and what Galloway homeowners should know about their tap water — updated August 2026.

Galloway Water at a Glance

Hardness
11 gpg
188 mg/L
pH Level
7.3–7.8
Neutral range: 6.5–8.5
Chlorine
0.5–1.2 mg/L
EPA limit: 4 mg/L
TDS
200–270 mg/L
Total dissolved solids

Water Hardness Meter — Galloway

At 11 grains per gallon, Galloway water is classified as Hard. For context, anything above 10.5 gpg is considered hard; Columbus-area water typically runs 15–18 gpg.

Soft (0)Moderate (7)Hard (11)Very Hard (18+)
11 gpg — Hard

Common Water Problems in Galloway

Hard water scale

Galloway receives Columbus city water at 11 gpg — firmly in the hard range. Scale buildup on water heaters, faucets, and appliances is a common complaint. A water softener extends appliance life and eliminates white residue throughout the home.

Chlorine disinfection byproducts

Columbus water is treated with chlorine and chloramine. Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) form as disinfection byproducts. Columbus has historically reported TTHM levels near the EPA action threshold.

PFAS trace levels

Columbus water has tested positive for PFAS compounds at trace levels. While below EPA action levels, many Galloway homeowners choose an RO system as a precautionary measure for drinking water.

Chlorine taste and odor

Galloway residents on the southwest Columbus distribution system sometimes notice stronger chlorine taste and odor, particularly during seasonal treatment adjustments. A whole-house carbon filter resolves this at every tap.

Iron Level: 0.05–0.15 mg/L

Iron above 0.3 mg/L causes orange staining on fixtures, laundry, and appliances. The EPA secondary standard is 0.3 mg/L. If you notice rust-colored stains or metallic taste, a dedicated iron filter may be needed alongside a water softener.

Iron filter options

Galloway Water FAQs

How hard is Galloway, Ohio water?

Galloway receives Columbus Division of Water service at approximately 11 grains per gallon (gpg), or about 188 mg/L — classified as hard. This is typical for the southwest Columbus service area, where water is sourced from the Scioto River and treated at the Hap Cremean Water Plant.

Does Galloway water have PFAS?

Columbus water has tested positive for PFAS compounds at trace levels. While current levels are below EPA action thresholds, a reverse osmosis system is the most effective way to remove PFAS from drinking water and is recommended for Galloway homeowners who want added peace of mind.

Is Galloway water safe to drink?

Galloway water meets all EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards as part of the Columbus city water system. However, given the hard water and trace contaminant levels, most homeowners benefit from a water softener plus an RO system for drinking water.

What's the best water softener for Galloway?

At 11 gpg, Galloway homes typically need a 24,000–32,000 grain capacity softener for an average household. The right size depends on your household size and daily water usage. Our free water test includes a precise sizing recommendation.

Know exactly what's in your Galloway water.

Our free in-home water test gives you precise numbers — hardness, iron, pH, TDS, chlorine — at your tap. No obligation, no pressure.